Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is home to a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life. Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada, boasts towering peaks, ancient Bristlecone pine trees, and the mysterious Lehman Caves. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and discover the unique flora and fauna found in each area. Whether you’re looking for a snorkeling adventure in Biscayne or a challenging hike through Great Basin’s rugged terrain, these two parks have something for everyone. Come along as we dive deeper into the similarities and differences of these two national treasures.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors, but they differ in terms of terrain and difficulty.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, has several short, easy hikes that are suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The park’s most popular hike is the short, 0.4-mile trail that leads to the top of the historic lighthouse at the park’s Elliott Key. The trail is relatively flat and provides visitors with a beautiful view of the surrounding waters. Another easy hike is the 0.5-mile trail that leads to the historic Adams Key, which offers visitors a chance to see the island’s historic buildings and learn about the island’s history.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. The park’s most popular hike is the 2.5-mile trail to the summit of Wheeler Peak, which is the highest peak in the park. The hike is considered to be strenuous, with a steep incline and an altitude gain of over 2000 feet. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and the summit offers a panoramic view of the park. Another challenging hike is the Bristlecone trail, which is a 4.5-mile hike that takes visitors through the ancient Bristlecone Pine forest, which is home to some of the oldest living trees on earth.
In summary, Biscayne National Park offers easy and short hikes suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, while Great Basin National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, including challenging hikes such as the Wheeler Peak trail and the Bristlecone trail.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you will see at each park are quite different.
At Biscayne National Park, visitors can see a variety of marine animals such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans, herons, and ospreys. In addition to marine life, Biscayne National Park has a diverse array of plant life, including mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is home to a variety of terrestrial animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pika. The park also has a diverse bird population, including the sage grouse and the pygmy owl. Great Basin National Park is also home to a variety of plant life, including sagebrush, aspen, and bristlecone pine. The park is known for its ancient bristlecone pine, some of which are over 5,000 years old.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, but if you’re interested in marine life and coral reefs, Biscayne National Park is the better choice. If you’re interested in terrestrial animals and ancient bristlecone pine, Great Basin National Park is the way to go.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
| American Robin | Canada Goose |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Merlin | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| American Kestrel | Merlin |
| Bald Eagle | Barn Swallow |
| Song Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| European Starling | Great Blue Heron |
| Northern Pintail | Hermit Thrush |
| American Wigeon | American Kestrel |
| American Pipit | Bald Eagle |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Song Sparrow |
| Killdeer | European Starling |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | American Wigeon |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | Coyote |
| Striped Skunk | American Beaver |
| Raccoon | Muskrat |
| House Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Bobcat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Striped Skunk |
| White-Tailed Deer | Little Brown Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Deer Mouse |
| Black Rat | Raccoon |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Porcupine |
| Least Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Black Crappie | Cutthroat Trout |
| Brown Bullhead |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Biscayne National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer their own unique landscapes and natural wonders. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can explore the park by boat, snorkeling, or scuba diving to see a variety of marine life such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. The park also offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural history, with the remains of shipwrecks and an ancient Tequesta Indian village.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain. The park is home to the highest peak in Nevada, Wheeler Peak, which stands at 13,063 feet and offers hikers the chance to summit the peak and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, some of which are over 5,000 years old. Other popular activities in the park include camping, stargazing, and exploring the Lehman Caves, which offer a unique underground experience.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore diverse landscapes and natural wonders, but the type of experience depends on the park you visit. Biscayne National Park is great for those who love marine life and water-based activities, while Great Basin National Park is perfect for those who love hiking, camping and exploring rugged mountains and ancient trees.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer very different experiences. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is primarily known for its marine life and water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. Visitors can explore the park’s coral reefs and see a variety of marine animals including fish, turtles, and dolphins. Additionally, the park offers a variety of guided tours, including boat tours of the park’s mangrove forests.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is located in Nevada and is known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and backpacking through the park’s mountains, valleys, and caves. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes visitors through ancient groves of Bristlecone Pines, some of which are over 4,800 years old. Another popular activity is stargazing, as the park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an excellent place to observe the night sky. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing and ranger-led programs.
Biscayne National Park is ideal for families who enjoy water activities and exploring marine life. Great Basin National Park is suitable for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and stargazing. Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the choice between them will depend on what type of outdoor activities a family is looking for.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park are located in different regions of the country, and thus have vastly different seasonal weather patterns.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park’s peak tourist season is from December to April, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer months, from May to September, can be hot and humid, with temperatures averaging in the 90s (Fahrenheit) and thunderstorms are common. Visitors should also be aware of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and plan accordingly.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, has a high desert climate with wide temperature variations between day and night. The park’s peak tourist season is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures averaging in the 80s (Fahrenheit) during the day and dropping to the 40s at night. Winter months, from December to February, can be cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging in the 20s (Fahrenheit) during the day and dropping well below freezing at night. The park’s roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice during this time.
In summary, the best time to visit Biscayne National Park is during the mild winter months, from December to April, while the best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for severe weather during the summer months in Biscayne National Park, and the potential for cold and snowy conditions during the winter months in Great Basin National Park.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park
Biscayne National Park and Great Basin National Park offer very different experiences for families looking to spend time in nature. Biscayne National Park is located on the Atlantic coast of southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life. The park features a variety of activities for families, including snorkeling, boat tours, and fishing. Families can also explore the park’s mangrove forests, which are home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in Nevada and is known for its rugged terrain, alpine lakes and peaks, and ancient bristlecone pine trees. The park features a variety of hikes for families, including the easy Bristlecone Trail and the strenuous hike to the top of 13,063 ft Wheeler Peak. Families can also explore the Lehman Caves and learn about the park’s unique geology, history, and wildlife.
If you are looking for a beach vacation with a lot of water activities, Biscayne National Park will be the better option for your family, but if you looking for a more rugged and natural experience, Great Basin National Park will be the perfect place to visit with your family.